Prison Break
March 1, 2020 (Post #29)
(From Journal #2: September 5, 2005)
This mystery pain in my right side continues to bother me? The doctor ordered x-rays and an ultrasound and things were negative, so I’m very grateful. I will continue to pray and stand on Your Word which gives me strength.
I’ve been studying the book of Acts lately. When Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, they prayed and sang hymns to God, which ushered in a miracle! Even though their circumstances were bad, they continued to stay focused on the Lord. The other prisoners were listening. We witness to others when we don’t lose faith in times of crisis and hardship.
Acts 16:26 says, “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.”
Wow! There is so much in this. First, I see that more than one foundation was shaken before the prison doors opened. This shows me there can be more than one issue holding us prisoner in our lives and keeping us from freedom. But God suddenly shakes us and breaks those foundations so that we can be free from the bondage we’re in! Praise God!
All at once the prison doors flew open and everybody’s chains came loose. When I am free, the chains of those around me come loose too because I do affect others by both my bondage and my freedom! It’s not all about me…
Acts 16:27-34: And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.